The U.S. Small Business Administration in March backed 42 loans for $15.4 million to Iowa businesses from participating lenders using its two largest lending programs. The programs capitalized 17 new and 25 existing Iowa businesses that report creating 153 new jobs and retaining 288.

The SBA now has backed $8.3 million in loans this year for businesses in Central Iowa. Those businesses created 117 jobs and retained 130.

In the March round, SBA-backed loans included $770,000 for a lodging project by Shiv Hotels Inc. in Perry; $700,000 for Iowa Farm Enterprises LLC in Sully; $460,500 for Mishi Foodmart Inc in Marshalltown; and $225,000 for Nichols Controls & Supply LLC  of Des Moines. Other loan recipients included a painting and wall covering contractor, a carpet cleaning business, and a pet care operation.

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